Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: TITUS

Titus was a Grecian convert. Luke does not mention him by name in the Book of Acts, but Paul confirms him as a “partner and fellow helper”. Titus accompanied Paul and Barnabas on a trip to Jerusalem. Unable to go for himself, Paul sent Titus to work with the congregation in Corinth, and then bring back news about their well-being and spiritual health. He brought back a good report and refreshed the weary Apostle's spirit. Several years later, Paul would leave Titus behind in Crete to build up the Church there.

Image credit: Magic Studio AI art Generator

The relationship between Paul and Titus was much like to his association with Timothy. The two letters to Timothy and the letter to Titus have been grouped together and referred to as Pastoral Epistles. Both men were directed to ordain elders to oversee the flock of God, warned about false teachers, told to maintain good works, the purity of the Church, and especially ensure their own personal morality and blameless reputation as godly men.

The last reference to this young preacher is Paul's mention of him in a letter to Timothy (whom he had left in Ephesus) that Titus was headed to Dalmatia (conquered by the Romans A.D. 12; today a region of Croatia, Yugoslavia).

Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages

From #Jerusalem to #Antioch: The Gospel Across Cultures by Jerome Crowe CP https://t.co/LWSgQ4JDld #Christianity #religion #Bible #ancientrome #society and #culture “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too." pic.twitter.com/ijwQpBEE8A

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) February 21, 2020

Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: TIMOTHY (or TIMOTHEUS)

Timothy was called Paul's son in the gospel.  Timothy's mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) were devout Jews who taught him the Jewish scriptures from a child. All three of them were converted to Christianity. This young man traveled with Paul to places where he was sent by Paul – such as Berea, Macedonia, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Philippi – to evangelize, preach, teach, comfort, and assure the believers to press on and not falter. Paul was retracing his steps and revisiting Lystra in Lycaonia when he and Timothy crossed paths. The first time he was in this small city was with Barnabas. On this second trip, Timothy joined Paul's company.

Image credit: Magic Studio AI art Generator

Paul commended his young companion as follows (paraphrased): “We have the same mind. He does not seek his own. He has served with me in the gospel and has the same boldness to as I do to defend the faith. His love and care for all the churches is genuine.”

While in prison in Rome, awaiting execution, the Apostle wrote to Timothy instructing him to persevere and continue the Lord's work without him.

Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages

From #Jerusalem to #Antioch: The Gospel Across Cultures by Jerome Crowe CP https://t.co/LWSgQ4JDld #Christianity #religion #Bible #ancientrome #society and #culture “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too." pic.twitter.com/ijwQpBEE8A

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) February 21, 2020

Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: LUKE (or LUCAS)

The name Lucas means “light-giving”. Very appropriate since he authored a two-part work – the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles – both written to shed light on the life of Christ and the establishment of His Church.

Image credit: AI art Generated – DeviantArt

His first appearance, historically, is in Troas. Details about his conversion are unknown. Details regarding his faithfulness are made plain in the New Testament scriptures. Luke traveled with the Apostle during his second (from Troas to Philippi), third (from Philippi to Jerusalem) and final (from Jerusalem to Rome) missionary journeys. In addition, during one of Paul's imprisonments, Luke dutifully remained close by. Luke was an educated man; writer, historian, and physician by profession. Paul speaks of him with great affection as the “beloved physician”.

Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages

From #Jerusalem to #Antioch: The Gospel Across Cultures by Jerome Crowe CP https://t.co/LWSgQ4JDld #Christianity #religion #Bible #ancientrome #society and #culture “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too." pic.twitter.com/ijwQpBEE8A

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) February 21, 2020

Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: BARNABAS

Barnabas was Paul's champion. While others may have doubted the sincerity of the Apostle's conversion, Barnabas sought Paul out. When he found him in Tarsus, he encouraged him to become a fellow laborer and convinced others that he could be an invaluable help with the missionary efforts.

Image credit: AI Generated - DeviantArt

“The disciples were called Christians* first in Antioch.” (Acts 11: 26) Barnabas and Paul traveled together to Antioch in Syria to strengthen the community of believers already there. The zealous teamwork of these two men proved very successful. Though the Church began, A.D. 33, in Jerusalem, from Antioch the “good news” would spread to all the major cities in the Roman Empire, including Rome.

Before becoming a Christian, Barnabas was a Jew; a Levite from the island of Cyprus, whose name was Joseph (Joses). He was called “son of consolation (or encouragement)” by the disciples because he had a gift for motivating those who were discouraged to remain focused, steadfast, and faithful. So committed was he that he sold his property and donated the proceeds to help the poor and needy. His act of generosity spurred others on to perform similar good works.

* Greek: Christianoi: “devotees of the Anointed One.

Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages

From #Jerusalem to #Antioch: The Gospel Across Cultures by Jerome Crowe CP https://t.co/LWSgQ4JDld #Christianity #religion #Bible #ancientrome #society and #culture “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too." pic.twitter.com/ijwQpBEE8A

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) February 21, 2020

Do Souls Exists? (My Answer to the Question)

As a member of the Medium.com writing community (view my writer's profile), not only do I enjoy writing content but I also enjoy reading and commenting on the articles of my fellow writers.

Aurum Archon published an article titled "Do Souls Exist?". It is an excellent read and he shares many informational links in his article for further exploration. After reading I wanted to leave a few comments.  On Medium, responses to comments appear on your profile but they are not counted in your list of stories.  I often re-share my comments with readers who visit my blog.  When it comes to the question of the existence of souls, almost everybody has thoughts about this topic.  The comments below are my thoughts.

"Only two things in life are certain: death and taxes." LOL.

Some people say they don't believe in God or a Higher Being. But they believe in science, i.e. something that can be proven. God can not be proven therefore God is not real. To me, that's kind of a humorous way of thinking or analyzing because most scientists supposedly make great that are discoveries that are even named after them.

However, what they discovered was already there. The scientists never explain WHO put it there or how it came to be. The so-called great scientific discoveries are often “accidental”. It makes me wonder if God or the Higher Being has watched from a distance as they diligently searched for answers and explanations and had pity. And God said: “If I don't show them how this or that works, they're never gonna figure it out for themselves.”

That being said, I remember a man who wanted desperately to scientifically prove the existence of the soul. He had a dying man hooked up to a machine that would measure the change in the person's body immediately after their death. He would conclude that any change recorded by the machine “might be” PROOF the soul existed.

As it so happened immediately after the person died the machine did record a change, but it was so small, so tiny, that it was practically “un-measurable”. Nevertheless, the person performing insisted that it “might” have proved the existence of the soul. Of course, there would be others in the scientific circles who disagree with his conclusion, So now other scientists can debate whether the experiment really proved the soul's existence and the debates can carry on back and forth until Jesus comes. LOL.

I very much enjoyed this article and appreciate the links you shared for further reading.

♦♦♦  

The Old Soul's Guidebook: Who You Are, Why You're Here, & How to Navigate Life on Earth ~ https://t.co/9ETxfZlXNh via @amazon #booksworthreading #BooksMakeGreatGifts #DonateOrShare #books #reading #readlinglist #library @goshoppingbees @cmoneyspinner pic.twitter.com/jq4F25ComL

— cryptocurrency_nooze (@cryptoCCnooze) May 20, 2024

The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness ~ https://t.co/1YyMOVgLtL via @amazon #booksworthreading #BooksMakeGreatGifts #DonateOrShare #books #reading #readlinglist #library @goshoppingbees @cmoneyspinner pic.twitter.com/vC0qhJ9GX1

— cryptocurrency_nooze (@cryptoCCnooze) May 20, 2024

The Cry of the Soul: How Our Emotions Reveal Our Deepest Questions about God ~ https://t.co/W9cmus4ASe via @amazon #booksworthreading #BooksMakeGreatGifts #DonateOrShare #books #reading #readlinglist #library @goshoppingbees @cmoneyspinner pic.twitter.com/oIvxICpAxs

— cryptocurrency_nooze (@cryptoCCnooze) May 20, 2024

Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives (Michael Newton's Journey of Souls, 1) ~ https://t.co/z2lXBmgyY8 via @amazon #booksworthreading #BooksMakeGreatGifts #DonateOrShare #books #reading #readlinglist #library @goshoppingbees @cmoneyspinner

— cryptocurrency_nooze (@cryptoCCnooze) May 20, 2024

With Politics You Can Compromise, With Religion There is No Compromise

My friend, Barbara Radisavljevic, publishes many thought-provoking articles on Medium.com and her article "The Blind, the Elephant, and the Truth" provoked these thoughts. I approached the matter from my understanding as a believer in Jesus Christ.

RE: politics and religion.

My late husband used to say: With politics you can compromise. With religion, there is no compromise. You can't serve 2 masters. You can't dispute the teachings of Jesus because He said His words will judge you in The Last Day. You can share His truth. But His words are not up for debate.

RE: different backgrounds, cultures, and families.

God made the family unit. As for the different backgrounds and cultures, I believe that after God confused the languages, mankind developed those. If mankind had retained the knowledge of the one true God in their minds (which the Bible says they did not do), the cultures would aligned with the will of God and there would no problem. However, the different backgrounds and cultures that existed throughout history and exists to this day and will likely exist until Christ comes again … exist because a nation has decided on their “version of truth”.

Jesus does not recognize different backgrounds and cultures, or families. That's why He told His followers to go into all the world. He also said that His Truth might divide families. Nevertheless, the Good News is for everybody! The Message never changes. It's the same message preached to everyone. It's the people who accept the gospel who get “transformed”. They are born again and their mind gets renewed. They have a new way to walk and talk. They live for Christ. In choosing Christ they might have to forsake background, culture, or family. But if they follow Christ, He said that he will never forsake them.

RE: Can we trust our observations?

NO! “Faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.”

RE: How do you know whose word to trust?

We can trust The Word. The Apostle John wrote in his epistle that we can KNOW this.

RE: Censorship is not the answer.

Of course it's not. How long has mankind been trying to censor the Bible?

RE: If Americans are to unite?

What do you mean IF? We are united. We just don't agree with each other. LOL. You don't think we're united? Did you see what happened to US after 9/11? In those crowds of people, could you tell who was a Democrat or a Republican?

BOTTOM LINE?

Nowhere in the teachings of Jesus Christ did He ever say that we needed to AGREE about politics. There's politics and there's your faith. Your faith trumps everything! We don't have to agree on anything in order for God's will to be done. The Judge of all the earth will always do the right thing.

But … I have to say … at least in America, we can have lively spirited discussions about politics that can go on and on and on and on and on … and we could never AGREE. But we are FREE to speak our minds in this country. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Source

And God Said to the Woman "Thou Shalt Not Be Equal" : Did God Really Say That?

I have been a HubPages Contributor for almost 10 years. When I arrived at HP, Scott Belford aka myesoteric was already there publishing extremely interesting articles that generated a lot of discussion from members and external visitors. The title of this particular HUB (link below) caught my eye and I was drawn into the discussion. Below are some of the comments I left behind. 

When I first joined HubPages my user name was "mib56789". That account was deleted and a new account was created under a different user name, "cmoneyspinner1tf". These comments, under my old user name, are 8 years old. I thought when my account was deleted, all related activity vanished. So I was very surprised to see that my comments were still there. Sharing a link to this HUB as you may want to contribute your thoughts. HUBPages is a platform that accepts comments from both internal and external visitors.

And God Said Unto Woman ... You Shall Not Ever Be Equal to Man | Scott Belford, HubPages Contributor

MY COMMENTS:

FIRST: Your HUB title is not contentious. As a HUB writer I know that most often if the title doesn’t grab the reader’s attention they probably won’t read the HUB.

SECOND: By “the Bible”, I assume you mean Old and New Testament scriptures. When something is based on something that means the “basis” is the foundation. Islam is not based on the Bible. Islam is based on the Koran. The Jewish faith is based on the Old Testament (one part of the Bible) and Christianity is based on THE BIBLE (Old and New Testaments).

THIRD: Inequality is not scriptural, i.e. non-biblical, not based on the Bible. Male/female. Black/White. Jew/Gentile. Slave/Free. God has no respect of persons. Everybody gets treated equally. The laws of God were never set up to institutionalize and systematize inequality. Just because humans have chosen to arrange institutions and systems and misapply scriptures to accommodate these inequalities doesn’t mean it was God’s idea.

RE: The fall of humanity wasn’t blamed on Eve. (It’s in the Bible.)

RE: Monotheism has evolving backwards?

God never withheld Himself, His love or His wisdom; because at one time WE (mankind) ALL KNEW THE ONE TRUE GOD. We turned away from God. If you want to call that “evolving backward”? OK.

Yet and still, He’s the same God TODAY that spoke to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God didn’t screw up the world we live in. We did it to ourselves. God has provided a way for us to redeem ourselves. We can accept the offer of salvation or reject it.

There’s scripture for everything I say. I’m not making any of this stuff up. It all comes from God’s word: THE BIBLE. The same Book that you say God made the woman unequal.

Historical Places : Sea of Galilee

Almost everybody has heard of the Sea of Galilee; especially Christians. It would be no surprise if most people who profess to be believers in Jesus Christ have this place on their list of dream travel destinations.  Some of the apostles were fishermen by occupation and they made their living by fishing in the Sea of Galilee. 

But would you believe it? In 2010, fishing was banned in the Sea of Galilee. The Israeli government stated that chronic over-fishing had severely depleted stocks. The ban was to be in effect for 2 years. 

In 2013, they dumped several thousand fish into the lake. The type of fish were tilapia and silver carp which were expected to increase the lake’s biodiversity and clear its waters of toxins. In 2020 it was reported that the lake (sea) had dried up because of a drought; and then it swelled up because the drought was followed by wet winters. Per a report dated April 15, 2022, Israel was going to give the Sea of Galilee an “extreme makeover” by filling the lake with excess output from desalination plants.

Image credit: Fishing in the Sea of Galilee | Israel Inside Out 

It's a technicality but the Sea of Galilee is not really a sea. It's a lake; a freshwater lake. Israel's largest freshwater lake to be precise.  It is also known by the following alternate names:

• Lake Tiberias
• Sea of Tiberias
• Lake of Gennesaret
• Lake Kinneret
• The Kinneret

FUN FACT: In ancient times. there were three (3) types of fish mainly caught by fishermen: sardines; barbels; and musht or tilapia (the 'Galilean tilapia' is known today as “St. Peter’s Fish”).

It's 2022. Fishing is being allowed in the Sea of Galilee. The original St. Peter’s fish in the Sea of Galilee cannot be found anymore. However, there are 18 species of fish indigenous in the Sea, which includes tilapia, sardine, and catfish.

Bible Study: 7 Major Themes in the Book of Revelation

The number 7 was used often in Revelation.  There are more than 7 themes in Revelation, but I understand these. 

1) Crown of life (Rev 2:10)

The saints who remain faithful until the end will receive a “crown of life”.

2) War in heaven (Rev 12:7)

The “war in heaven” is a spiritual war for our souls.  Satan does not want the faithful to be saved.

3) Lamb of God (Rev 5:12) is the Alpha and Omega ( Rev 21:6 )

The “Lamb of God” is Jesus Who was “slain”.  Jesus died for us.  He has the power over TIME.  The “Alpha and Omega” means He is the beginning and the end of TIME.

4) The Harvest   (Rev 14:15)

The “Harvest” is the final day when all on earth will be judged for their works; whether they were faithful or unfaithful.

5) A new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1)

The earth and heaven we now know will be destroyed.  A “new heaven” and a “new earth” will be the new home for the faithful.

6) Tree of life (Rev 22:2)

Jesus promised us eternal life.  The leaves on the “tree of life” are for healing.  Whoever eats of the tree can live forever.  But they have to be in heaven because that’s where the tree is.  Only the faithful will be in heaven. 7) JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! (Rev 22:12) The faithful are in the church of Christ.  The church is the “bride of Christ”.  Jesus promised He would come again for His bride.  The church will be glad when Jesus comes! Image credit:  "New Jerusalem" Poster by Calgacus | Redbubble #Apocalypse #Revelation #prophecy https:// ~ https://bit.ly/3m0toEk ~ #artposters #wallart

Religions of Man: Quick Intro to Baha'ism

The word “extant” means: still in existence, i. e. not lost in the course of time.

This post presents a timeline of the major extant religions and culminates with a quick introduction to the last faith that began in the 19th century.  Major extant religions emerged in the following order:

* 3rd millennium B.C.: Hinduism (India) and Shintoism (Japan);

* 13th century B.C.: Judaism (Palestine);

* 7th century B.C.: Zoroastrianism (Persia);

* 6th century B.C.: Taoism and Confucianism (China); Jainism and Buddhism (India, with roots in Hinduism);

* 1st century A.D.: Christianity (Jerusalem, with roots in Judaism);

* 7th century A.D.: Islam (Arabia, with roots in Judaism);

* 16th century A.D.: Sikhism (India, with roots in Hinduism);

* 19th century A.D.: Baha’ism (Persia, with roots in Islam).

Baha’ism is monotheistic.  It is believed that the doctrines of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity can be reconciled. This movement has never been accepted by Muslims, Jews, or Christians, nevertheless the community boasts an estimated 5 million converts, there are temples and shrines in India, the United States, the Middle East and other parts of the world. The YouTube video is a documentary about three Bahai believers.

♦

Have you ever heard of the Bahá’í Faith?

♦

Additional Reference:

World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored & Explained

Race Reconciliation: A Christian Perspective

When addressing the topic of “race reconciliation” we have to go back to Genesis. When God created Adam and made Eve from Adam's rib, God made of all men one flesh – it is our physical reality that Eve is the mother of us all and spiritual reality that God is the Father of us all.

If disciples follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, they will understand that Jesus has made of all men ONE. He taught us how to find our way through our own man-made confusion and return to the way it was “from the beginning”.

Somewhere along the timeline of humanity as mankind moved away from God … because at one time ALL MEN KNEW the One True God ... mankind began to divide themselves into something called 'race'.

Now people say that “race reconciliation” is needed. (DUH???)

But Jesus solved this PROBLEM THAT WE CREATED FOR OURSELVES by teaching us that WE ARE ALL ONE.

The only time the Bible describes a person's “color” is if it is a description of the person's physical traits. NOT THEIR RACE!!

The Bible refers to mankind BY NATIONS. Why? Because when God confused the languages of man, it eventually led to the establishment of various nations.

You know … He is God. Why didn't He separate mankind by skin color?

“Racism” is a SIN. It was born out of a CORRUPT THOUGHT, a man's desire to have power and control over his fellow man … the CONQUERED and the CONQUEROR ... and carried out by those who choose EVIL instead of OBEDIENCE TO GOD.

Instead accepting the FACT … the TRUTH … that God only created male and female, that Eve is the mother of all living, and that through the sons of the Noah, the NATIONS of the earth were overspread … instead, they made up “races” for the one human race. People began to have confidence in their flesh which is being carnal-minded. Christians are not in the flesh. We in the Spirit.

Mankind moved away from God and now we have a “problem” (?), a “social issue” or a “matter” (?) … we have a SIN we are wrestling with called RACISM.

Jesus came to RECONCILE MAN TO GOD and He accomplished His mission.

Standing on the Word of God, I boldly declare that Jesus already accomplished “race reconciliation”. If we want to get technical, during the time Jesus walked the earth, the “racial division” or “racial strife” which required “race reconciliation” was the separation between Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles. The DIVISION that required RECONCILIATION resulted from the differences in their BELIEF IN THE ONE TRUE GOD. NOT THEIR SKIN COLOR!!!

Jesus came to reconcile ALL MEN TO THE ONE TRUE GOD. That's the only “reconciliation” that matters. The reconciliation of the human race to their Creator.

Only One Day Left : What's your Final Answer?

This is a common question asked to provoke thought and/or make people appreciate their lives more.

Fill in the blank: 
**If I had one day left to live, I would _______.**

This what my blank would filled in with:

Ask the Almighty God, my Creator, to give me the same treatment that Enoch and Elijah received.

Skip DEATH and go straight to HEAVEN.

- Enoch was “translated” - Genesis 5:24 and Hebrews 11: 5 – 6
- Elijah was carried away in a whirlwind – 2 Kings 2: 1 – 11


They never have any moves like this in Monopoly!

Image found on Pinterest.
Content first appeared on MyLot.com, August 17, 2015 12:41pm CST

Nevertheless To Avoid Fornication ... W. D. J. T. (What Did Jesus Teach?)

"Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband."  (1 Corinthians 7:2-5)

There are some who profess to be true believers and yet they do not follow the teachings of The One they claim as their Lord and Savior. There are others who are non-believers who are just curious about these "peculiar people" who seem to be willing to give up on all the joys of this world without really having any confirmation that there is a next world where the inhabitants dwell in "peace and righteousness".

RE: Divorce, cohabiting and remarriage, I would like to make 3 points which I hope and pray will clarify any misunderstanding for the non-believer. The believer should already know this.

* Point 1: Jesus Christ doesn't FORCE anybody to become His disciple.

* Point 2: If you're going to be a follower or disciple, then BE ONE!

Conversion to Christianity is not cafeteria-style. You can't pick this plate, this dish, that drink and then say “Oh no! I don't want to eat that! I don't care what Jesus said! I disagree with His teachings but I still want to be His follower.” 

That's not how discipleship works.

In a nutshell.

* Jesus came to earth, accomplished His mission, left the gospel message in earthen vessels (His believers), His message has not been revised nor does anyone on earth have the Authority to change His Word. That includes the pope. When He returns, He will judge the faithful.

So! It's your choice.  You're not being FORCED.  Your submission is of your own free will.  You either talk the talk AND walk the walk AND be Christ-like OR don't say that you're a Christian and don't follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.  But you can't say that you are Christian and disregard the teachings of Jesus or try to change them when you have no authority.  

WHY? Because …

* Point 3: WOES were pronounced on HYPOCRITES!

With regards to the teachings on sex, love, and marriage, what Jesus taught was simple, albeit hard for many to accept. Sexual desires are strong but they are not uncontrollable.

Jesus taught His disciples:

* Do not fornicate. Get married and have sexual relations with your own mate.

* If one of the members of the marriage union commits an act of adultery, divorce and remarriage are allowed, for the faithful party who was wronged. The party who was wronged may also forgive their mate for the infidelity and stayed married!

* If for reasons other than adultery, the marital union is dissolved, neither of the partners are allowed to remarry, unless one of them dies.

* If a mate dies, adultery or no adultery, the living spouse (the widow or widower) can remarry.

If you say are a Christian, you don't get to rewrite Jesus teachings if you don't agree because, you think they're unreasonable for modern times, or they're inconvenient for the way you want to live your life or _________ (fill in the blank).

This bears repeating.

* Point 1: Jesus Christ doesn't FORCE anybody to become His disciple.

However, if you decided to "put on Christ" of your own free will, then you also decided that you would OBEY HIS COMMANDS.

You can't be a faithful follower and an unfaithful follower simultaneously.

The teachings of Jesus on fornication, marriage, divorce, and remarriage are PLAIN. If you're a Christian, you will obey them. If you don't choose to be a faithful disciple, then you'll do whatever you want to do.

As for how your service to the King will be judged on Judgment Day? Take your chances. Wait and see. CAUTION: If you were wrong, it will be too late to backtrack and fix things. The judgment is final.

Repeating this statement one more time for the sake of emphasis.

* Point 1: Jesus Christ doesn't FORCE anybody to become His disciple.

I'm a believer. If you don't believe any of this, that's your choice. But I can't really think of anything else to say regarding this matter to clear up anyone's confusion other than read and learn the teachings of Christ for yourself.

♦